White adder’s-mouth orchid (Malaxis monophyllos, Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 21: 234 (1800))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (L.) Sw.

Bibliography: Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 21: 234 (1800)

Year: 1800

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Malaxis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere to Philippines

Description

The White adder’s-mouth orchid, scientifically known as Malaxis monophyllos, is a remarkable species within the Orchidaceae family. Its elegant structure and unique floral attributes make it a notable representative of its genus. This alluring orchid captures the attention of botanists and horticulturists alike due to its widespread occurrence and distinctive characteristics.

First described in the scientific literature by the celebrated botanist Carl Linnaeus, the species was later officially cataloged by Olof Swartz in the “Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl.” in 1800, as documented in Nya Handlingar 21: 234. The White adder’s-mouth orchid commands respect not only from a historical botanical perspective but also because of its extensive geographical distribution, thriving predominantly in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and extending as far as the Philippines.

The habitat preferences of Malaxis monophyllos are as fascinating as the plant itself. It usually flourishes in wet, mossy forests and alpine meadows where it benefits from the moist, cool conditions. Renowned for its resilience, this orchid often finds a home in environments that other flowers might find inhospitable, showcasing its adaptability.

The visual appeal of Malaxis monophyllos lies in its slender, graceful form and its distinctive white to greenish-yellow flowers that cluster along a central spike. The leaves, typically sparse, are ovate and may contribute to the plant’s common name, evoking the image of a single, encompassing leaf typical of the Malaxis genus.

Ecologically, the White adder’s-mouth orchid plays a substantial role in its native habitats. It participates in complex interdependencies with local pollinators, thus contributing to the ecological biodiversity. Its existence within this intricate web emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts directed towards preserving native orchid species and their environments.

In summary, the White adder’s-mouth orchid (Malaxis monophyllos) is an exquisite and adaptable member of the Orchidaceae family. Its scientific documentation dates back over two centuries, reflecting its lasting significance in botanical studies. Whether viewed through the lens of its aesthetic appeal, its ecological role, or its historical context, this orchid continues to enchant and educate plant enthusiasts around the globe.

Common Names

Deu: einblaettriges weichkraut, einblatt, kleingriffel, zartes einblatt
Nob: knottblom
Nno: knottblom
Swe: knottblomster, sääskenvalkku
Lav: purvaja surene
Fin: sääskenvalkku
Pol: wyblin jednolistny
Eng: white adder’s mouth, white adder’s-mouth, white malaxis
Sme: divrečuolbma
Fra: malaxis monophylle, malaxis à une feuille
En: White Adder’s-Mouth Orchid, Adder’s-mouth orchid, White Adder’s Mouth, Aleutian Adder’s-mouth Orchid, White adder’s-mouth, White malaxis, One-leaved bog Orchid
Be: Мякатніца адналістая
Zh: 原沼兰, 沼兰
Cs: Měkčilka jednolistá
Nl: Eenblad
Et: Ainulehine sookäpp
Fi: Sääskenvalkku
Fr: Malaxis monophylle, Malaxis à une feuille
De: Einblatt, Kleinblütiges Einblatt, Einblaettriges Weichkraut, Einblatt, Kleingriffel, Zartes Einblatt
Hu: Egylevelű lágyvirág
It: Microstile, Mocrostile
Lv: Purvāju vienlape, Purvaja surene
Lt: Vienalapis geduti
Se: Divrečuolbma
No: Knottblom, Knottblomst
Nb: Knottblom
Nn: Knottblom
Pl: Wyblin jednolistny
Ru: Мякотница однолистная
Sk: Trčníček jednolistý
Sv: Knottblomster, Sääskenvalkku
Zh-tw: 單葉軟葉蘭, 阿里山小柱蘭, 阿里山穗花一葉蘭
Uk: Глевчак однолистий

Synonyms

• Ophrys monophyllos (L.)
• Epipactis monophylla ((L.) F.W.Schmidt)
• Microstylis monophyllos ((L.) Lindl.)
• Achroanthes monophyllos ((L.) Greene)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 29, 2008 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2014 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2014 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2007 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 14, 2018 by Micia Micia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bartosz Cuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2007 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2014 by EOL − Luca Strazzaboschi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 29, 2014 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2014 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2014 by EOL − Amadej Trnkoczy (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 21, 2008 by EOL − Pavel Daněk (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2808211)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30045967-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Malaxis monophyllos (L.) Sw.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth